大乘起信論內義略探記 1.46

1.46

Question: Although there is no contradiction, what was the intention in not questioning [this]? Answer: The intentions behind the differences each have their reasons. For instance, the Madhyāntavibhāga-śāstra wishes to explain that all currently arising phenomena are manifested by the fundamental consciousness, and apart from consciousness there is no other phenomenon; therefore it only speaks of current manifestations. That seeds are not manifested is because they are not different from consciousness. As for the Yogācārabhūmi and so forth, in order to show that phenomena do not exist apart from their own continuity of perception, with the exception of the mind and mental factors, external continuous phenomena are all discerned by this consciousness. Mind and mental factors are not established apart from sense-objects, and this meaning is self-evident, so they are not separately mentioned. The intentions behind other inclusions and omissions may be understood by analogy with this. One must not falsely cling to a single perspective and slander broad, comprehensive explanations.